AQA GCE A Level in Biology
at Harrogate Grammar School, Harrogate · school or sixth form
What the college says
The course is split into 8 units. 1. Biological molecules - the essential biochemistry behind important biological molecules. 2. Cells - the detailed structure of the building blocks of life in plants, animals, bacteria and viruses. 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment - the processes involved in the transport of chemicals in living organisms. 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms - the synthesis of proteins using DNA as an information molecule. 5. Energy transfers in and between organisms - the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration. 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments- the detailed structure of a reflex and simple behaviour patterns. 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems - inheritance of multiple alleles and sex linkage. 8. The control of gene expression - the ways in which organisms and cells control their activities.
What you need to get on
For entry on to A Level and BTEC courses, we require a minimum of 240 points in the 6 best full GCSE/ BTEC courses, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C or higher. BTEC qualifications will only count as 1 GCSE. If more than 1 is studied, only the best will count towards the overall points score. GCSE short courses will not be included. Only grades at 4/C or above will be included. Additionally we require a Grade B in GCSE Biology and Chemistry or a Grade B in GCSE Core Science and GCSE Additional Science and a Grade 6/B in Maths. Students will be required to study Core Maths or AS Maths /A Level Maths. This course is available at AS Foundation Level for students who have not fully met the entry requirements. Please see our website for full details of the Admission Policy.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Harrogate Grammar School
Arthurs Avenue, HARROGATE, HG2 0DZ
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 7 September 2026 · HARROGATE
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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